How West Surrey plans and grows will shape the area for decades. Development must strengthen communities, not simply expand them. 

Shaping growth in a way that people can trust.

It is important to note that all councils are required to make decisions based on planning rules set by the Government. These rules include how many houses the Government says we have to build each year and whether the council can consider certain issues (e.g. flooding, village character, fresh water/sewage capacity) as reasons to reject a proposed development. This presents a challenge in decision making as sometimes the council has to approve planning applications that it may want to refuse or ask developers to make changes to. 

Our priorities will be to:

• Run a planning system that is fair, open and consistent.
• Improve transparency and engagement with local communities in the plan making progress.
• Focus on creating good places, not just approving projects.
• Ensure growth is supported by the right infrastructure, including schools, transport, health provision and climate resilience.
• Take a strategic and joined-up approach to planning across West Surrey.
• Balance environmental protection with the need to provide homes including social and affordable housing.
• Build a shared West Surrey identity and sense of purpose while respecting the identity of our towns and villages.
• Support community infrastructure including sports, leisure, arts and cultural facilities that strengthen local identity and wellbeing.